Headache

Headache
Student's Name
Department, Institutional Affiliation
Course Code, Course Title
Instructor's Name
Due Date
Headache
List of her Possible Differentials
The possible differentials include exertion headache, sinus headache, migraine headache, and tension headache.
Associated Symptoms
Table 1: Symptoms
Exertion Headache

Sinus Headache

Migraine Headache

Tension Headache

Pulsating pain

Discolored and thick nasal discharge

Extreme light sensitivity

Continuous pain


Fever

Nausea

Tight band pressure sensation


Facial pain


Muscle tightness

Source: (Caponnetto et al., 2021)
What to Know in HPI and ROS
I would want to know if the issue is a primary or secondary headache in the HPI. Besides, I would rule out her type of headache by checking her medical history and conducting a neurological and physical examination of the ROS.
Symptoms Associated with Each Type of Headache
Table 2: Symptoms
Primary Headache

Secondary Headache

Pain on both sides of the head

Blurry vision

Vomiting and nausea

Severe dizziness

Affects sleeping routine

Back or neck stiffness

Pulsating pain


Constant pressure


Source: (Robbins, 2021)
If she presented with progressive worsening headaches over months, the best test to order would be Sinus X-ray. The image from this test would assist in identifying infections, congestions, and any other issues that can be rectified.
Thunderclap Headache
A thunderclap is a headache that starts suddenly and causes severe pain to the victims. Notably, this type of headache indicates that the victim may incur severe medical conditions associated with the brain's vascular system (Caponnetto et al., 2021). For instance, a thunderclap headache may indicate the patient has a significant stroke risk. In brief, this headache is the beginning of severe brain vascular system-related issues such as stroke.
When to Visit a Specialist
There are several instances where patients can consider before visiting a specialist. The health expert should refer the patient to a specialist when the headache worsens, even after taking medicine (Caponnetto et al., 2021). In addition, the patient can get a referral when it affects their ability to sleep, work, or participate in everyday activities. Moreover, when the patients' fever exceeds 390C, they should visit a specialist. Lastly, the medical professio...